Abstract: An initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with a venting device. A system for venting a container includes a venting device and an initiator coupled with the venting device. The initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with the venting device. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with a container, detonating an explosive sheet of the venting system, and venting the container as a result of detonating the explosive sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: A composite material suitable for use as an armor includes a first layer of a metallic material and a second layer, metallurgically bonded with the first layer. The second layer includes a matrix of the material of the first layer and a plurality of brittle particles dispersed in the matrix. A method for making a composite structure suitable for use as an armor from a workpiece of a metallic material includes the steps of plasticizing a fractional thickness of the workpiece using a friction stir process, introducing a plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece, and dispersing the plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece using the friction stir process.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally-activated, deflagration initiation device, a deflagration-to-detonation transition manifold, a first transfer line connecting the deflagration initiation device and the deflagration-to-detonation transition manifold, and a linear shaped charge coupled with the first transfer line. An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: A projectile includes a body, a penetrator disposed at least partially within the body for penetrating a target or barrier, and means for propelling the penetrator from the body. A method includes directing a projectile toward a target or barrier and propelling a penetrator from within a body of the projectile. An apparatus for propelling a penetrator from a projectile includes a high energy power source and means for guiding the penetrator from the projectile.

Abstract: A projectile includes a body, a penetrator disposed at least partially within the body for penetrating a target or barrier, and means for propelling the penetrator from the body. A method includes directing a projectile toward a target or barrier and propelling a penetrator from within a body of the projectile. An apparatus for propelling a penetrator from a projectile includes a high energy power source and means for guiding the penetrator from the projectile.

Abstract: A penetrator includes a shaped charge warhead defining a bore therethrough, an augmenting warhead disposed within the bore, and a detonating mechanism coupled with and capable of detonating the shaped charge warhead and the augmenting warhead. A projectile includes a shaped charge warhead defining a bore therethrough being disposed within the projectile, an augmenting warhead disposed within the bore, and a detonating mechanism disposed within the projectile and being coupled with and capable of detonating the shaped charge warhead and the augmenting warhead. A method includes at least partially perforating the barrier to form a slug and dislodging the slug from the barrier.